OSU Extension turns 100 years old

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act, which established cooperative extension and paved the way for Delaware County’s Ohio State University Extension Office.

The Delaware County commissioners on Thursday honored the organization for its century of service.

One of the extension office’s most visible impact on the community is its work with 4-H programs across the county, an effort lauded by Commissioner Dennis Stapleton.

“The quality of young people that come through 4-H is unquestionable,” he said.

The extension office supports about 75 4-H that about 1,200 youths participate in. Stapleton said the experience is invaluable.

“It just gives you a lot of confidence that a lot of kids don’t have,” he said.

The organization also offers several educational programs.

“Without a doubt this is one of the premier programs in the state, if not the nation,” said Rob Leeds, Delaware County OSU Extension Chair.

Zoo Levy

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s request for a permanent levy was soundly rejected by Franklin County voters Tuesday, and there has been much discussion leading up to and after the vote about the possibility of making zoo funding more regional.

As the commissioners discussed who would represent the county at the grand opening of an exhibit, Stapleton made light of the situation.

“I think Franklin County would like to have all of Delaware County there right now – all of the taxpayers ,” he said.

Board of Elections Lauded

Despite his defeat Tuesday in the Republic primary, Commissioner Ken O’Brien said the county’s board of elections once again operated as a well oiled machine.

“The board of elections did an excellent job,” he said. “They always do in Delaware County.”

Dustin Ensinger can be reached at 740-413-0902 or on Twitter @EnsingerDG.